Hungary: The Prospects for the Race
After the intense actions of the qualifications, let's take a moment to focus on the predictions for the race. The stakes are high for this final stage before the summer break, for both the drivers and the teams. A review of the prospects for this race at the Hungaroring.
Verstappen towards victory?
Imperial. The young Dutchman showcased his talent in the last qualification. On cloud nine after three successful races, the Red Bull driver is determined to soar towards victory. On a circuit difficult for overtaking and with formidable opponents in the race, Max Verstappen must first ensure a strong start.
If he takes the lead at the first corner, he will greatly increase his chances of heading towards victory. With a team that optimally manages strategies and pit stops, the former Toro Rosso driver can believe in his chances.
Remains to be seen what will happen with the two Mercedes on his tail.
Leaving yesterday behind 👊 Today we get down to business 💪 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/YZQX3GrhXj
— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 4 août 2019
The German hunters
Always be wary of a wounded animal, especially if there are two. With a Valtteri Bottas who knows he must perform and a Lewis Hamilton frustrated by his recent performances, both in Hockenheim and in yesterday’s qualifying, Max Verstappen will have a tough task keeping the German hunters behind.
The W10 EQ Power+ is built for this Hungarian track, and as Lewis Hamilton said, “There is a long way to the first corner.” Opportunities for the Silver Arrows will be available up to Turn 1 to overtake Red Bull #33. The world champion team is also formidable in strategy games, and everything suggests that the upcoming battle at the front of the race will be memorable.
Double or nothing for Ferrari
4th and 5th. The harvest of qualifications is disappointing for Scuderia Ferrari, even if they knew they wouldn’t match the Red Bull and Mercedes. Their car lacks downforce on a circuit that requires it. Their top speed is not a precious asset on the Hungaroring. While it seems unlikely they will have the pace to get back to the front of the race, the hope for a top 3 finish is still possible by relying on the battle at the front from the start. The misfortune of some makes the happiness of others, and in this game of opportunities, everyone can bounce back. Nothing is lost for the Scuderia, just slightly compromised before the start. While keeping an eye on Pierre Gasly behind, the Italians don’t have much to lose in the Grand Prix except to seize opportunities and race incidents.
#Quali results 🏁
4️⃣ #Charles16
5️⃣ #Seb5#essereFerrari 🔴 #HungarianGP 🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/rAcKpetIkI— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) 3 août 2019
Gasly vs Verstappen
The comparison is difficult between the Frenchman and his teammate. How can one compare a good driver to an exceptional driver at the moment? Let’s not downplay the praise for the Dutchman; his driving talents are exceptional, and there’s no doubt that anyone currently teaming up with him would struggle to keep up with Max Verstappen’s pace.
Pierre must continue to improve his mastery of the RB15 and secure good points to allow the Austrian firm to continue its strong comeback against Scuderia Ferrari.
McLaren soars to 4th place in constructors’ standings
Once again on point, the two McLaren drivers are the best of the rest. Consistent and strong in the race, the two young drivers are gradually creating a gap with the rest of the field. Comfortably positioned in 4th in the championship, the progress is clear at McLaren, and the performance is evident thanks to the strong performances of their drivers. It bodes well for the rest of the season. No doubt, McLaren will be in the points this afternoon, barring any race incidents.
Grosjean opportunistic?
Confident in his chances for qualifying under summer conditions, the Franco-Swiss driver confirmed with a 9th place. Equipped with Melbourne’s effective aerodynamic package, comfortable in the heat, Romain Grosjean has ideal conditions again this Sunday for his car and can hope for a few valuable points.
Renault’s Long Descent into Hell
In constant loss of competitiveness, the French firm is unable to maintain a consistent momentum. Caught in a contentious maneuver with Perez in Q1, Ricciardo will start from the back of the grid in 18th position while his teammate finished at the brink of Q3 and will start 11th.
Gradually falling in the constructors’ standings, let’s hope Renault can limit the damage this afternoon to avoid ending up in 9th place among constructors, where the gap is only 5 small points.
Race strategies
With a roughly equitable distribution of the remaining tires per team, race strategies will likely oscillate on parallel constants between drivers. Soft tires will alternate with medium and possibly hard compounds.
The #Fit4F1 sets (Fresh and Old) for today’s #HungarianGP! pic.twitter.com/NtXrzvibUj
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 4 août 2019
From our special correspondent in Hungary
